Professionals navigating the technology industry have recently seen more than their share of ups and downs. The workplace has gone from talent shortages, with companies of all sizes struggling to recruit and retain tech talent, to rounds of layoffs at industry giants like Amazon, Google and Microsoft. Forward-thinking developers may well decide it’s time to stop focusing on Web2 companies and products and start learning the ins and outs of the burgeoning Web3 world.
While crypto companies are eager to welcome the next generation of Web3 developers, the process is not as simple as updating and submitting a resume. Web3 is a completely different ecosystem with new technology and fresh ideas, and any Web2 developer looking to make a transition has a learning curve to conquer first. Below, 15 members of the Cointelegraph Innovation Circle (all pioneers in crypto and Web3) share their advice and experiences for developers looking to move from a Web2 world to a Web3 world.
Embrace decentralized thinking
A crucial tip for developers transitioning from Web2 to Web3 products is to embrace decentralized thinking. Understand the principles of blockchain, smart contracts, and the shift from centralized control to user empowerment. This mindset shift is essential to designing and building successful Web3 products that truly leverage the benefits of blockchain technology. –Vinita Rathi, Sistango
Stay focused on meeting users’ basic needs
While Web3 offers great disruptive potential to decentralize and democratize, it is important to remember that for mass adoption purposes, Web2 and Web3 users are effectively the same audience. Make sure your brand stays focused on how to meet users’ most basic needs (like speed, cost, or convenience) rather than starting the next revolution. – Germán Ramírez, THE HOUSE OF RELEVANCE AG
Connect with other developers in the ecosystem
The community is one of the main strengths of Web3, and this is true for builders as well. Events like hackathons are a great way to meet people who can answer your questions about blockchain development, and you can also find some very helpful online communities on platforms like Telegram and Discord. – Wolfgang Rückerl, ORL Technologies AG
Be well-rounded and constantly learn
Listen, learn and understand technology beyond Web3 and cryptography. For example, technologies like artificial intelligence are already achieving product-market fit alongside emerging Web3 products. Companies will require you to be familiar with how other industries work to see the bigger picture of our ever-changing digital future, beyond the Web3. –Megan Nyvold, BingX
Make sure you understand blockchain fundamentals
When making the jump from Web2 to Web3, it is vital that you understand the fundamentals of blockchain technology. Learn about decentralized systems, smart contracts, and cryptography to fully understand the unique challenges and opportunities that Web3 development offers. –Antonio Georgiades, Red Pastel
Build with genuine passion
Moving from Web2 to Web3 requires a change in mindset. Build with genuine passion, seek guidance from experienced advisors, and develop a deep understanding of blockchain technology. Additionally, staying actively involved with the community and connecting with other developers active in the space can ensure that you are at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field and can create impactful and sustainable decentralized products. –Myrtle Anne Ramos, Lock tides
Get ready to embrace space completely
Going from Web2 to Web3 may seem like a smooth transition, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The Web3 space is a completely new realm that must be fully understood before entering. This is not only a technology-related change, but also a community and people-related change. There are many areas that need to be understood about Web3, and being open and ready to embrace them all is vital. – Ilías Salvatore, Flooz XYZ
Know that there is also uncertainty in the Web3 world
Developers making a transition from Web2 to Web3 should always keep in mind that as a dynamic world, Web3 can often be very unpredictable, especially in times of tight funding. This can often result in layoffs or poor pay. Developers should prepare to absorb these impacts or even temporarily return to their Web2 profession if necessary. –Abhishek Singh, Acknowledgment of receipt
Understand the concepts of collaboration and user empowerment.
Fully embrace decentralization. Dive into blockchain, smart contracts, and trustless peer-to-peer dynamics. It’s not just technical; It is a shift towards open collaboration and user empowerment. Understand the move from centralized control to community-driven governance. These concepts are crucial to success in Web3 product development, which focuses on fostering innovation and inclusivity. –Sheraz Ahmed, STORM Partners
Combine your existing skills with new capabilities
Imagine Web2 as a classic arcade game, with set rules and limited playing fields. Now, think of Web3 as entering a virtual reality universe, with dynamic landscapes and ai allies. You don’t discard your mastery of the joystick; instead, you combine it with virtual reality maneuvers. Maintain your high scores, unlock new achievements and remember: in this game, the network and nodes define your next move! –Arvin Khamseh, NFTS SOLD OUT
Don’t just adapt; unlearn
In Web3, it is not the code that rules, but the community. Instead of perfecting backend logic, focus on frontend transparency. Immerse yourself not only in decentralized applications, but also in a decentralized spirit. In this area, it’s less about server uptime and more about consensus uptime. Web3 is not just a technological change; It is a paradigm shift. – Tiago Serôdio, Partisia Blockchain
Learn the principles needed to create truly native Web3 solutions
Embrace the decentralized mindset. The transition from Web2 to Web3 is not just about learning new programming languages or tools; It is a paradigm shift. Understand the principles of decentralization, immutability, and trustless transactions to design truly native Web3 solutions. – Maksym Illiashenko, My nft Wars: Rift Guardians
Explore decentralized protocols and platforms
Understand the principles of decentralization and their impact on application design and architecture. Explore the decentralized protocols and platforms that provide the infrastructure to build Web3 applications. These platforms typically offer tools, libraries, and frameworks that simplify the development process, providing access to decentralized features, from smart contracts to decentralized identities. –Tammy Paola, Zero capital
Prioritize strong security practices
A valuable tip is to prioritize understanding and implementing sound security practices. The decentralized Web poses new security challenges, and understanding smart contract vulnerabilities, maintaining data privacy, and ensuring secure transaction paths are crucial. In the blockchain space, where hacks can be devastating, having a solid foundation in security protocols is essential. – Tomer Warschauer Nuni, cryptomon
Break with centralized consolidation
Each iteration of the Web has marked a dramatic change from its predecessor in the way content is produced and accessed. Web3 companies should embrace a return to the user- and community-focused amenities that inspired the first wave builders. By breaking away from the centralized consolidation that occurred under Web2, leaders can reinvigorate the sense of wonder that once thrived in our online spaces. – Oleksandr Lutskevych, CEX.IO
This article was published through the Cointelegraph Innovation Circle, a vetted organization of top executives and experts in the blockchain technology industry who are building the future through the power of connections, collaboration and thought leadership. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Cointelegraph.
